Experts calls for inclusive irrigation policy for smallholders, women farmer

Ranchi, June 25: A high-impact state-level workshop titled “Prosperity Through Irrigation” was held at Ranchi, aimed at co-creating sustainable irrigation solutions for smallholder and women farmers in Jharkhand.

Organized by VB Net Foundation, the event brought together over 100 participants, including farmers, government officials, civil society organisations (CSOs), academicians, and grassroots innovators.

Timed to coincide with the *World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the workshop* underscored the urgency of building climate-resilient and community-led irrigation systems.

A powerful keynote came from Padmashree Chami Oraon from Seraikela who called on the state government to act:

“I urge the state government to develop an inclusive irrigation policy that ensures infrastructure creation and sustainable water management with strong participation from local communities to ensure access of irrigation to smallholders and women farmers.”

The workshop focused on strengthening irrigation infrastructure, promoting water-efficient technologies, enabling women’s leadership in irrigation governance, and integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices.

Prem Shankar, Saurav Dutta from NGO PRADAN and Abhay from IIT Kharagpur , irrigation experts, jointly presented a comprehensive scoping study on the current irrigation landscape and future potential in the state.

Prominent speakers at the workshop included  Shivendra Kumar, former ICAR scientist, who advocated for low-water-use technologies like drip irrigation to enhance efficiency.

Amit Kumar, assistant engineer, Minor Irrigation Department, shared that ₹190 crore has been proposed for small check dams, ponds, ahars, and solar-based lift irrigation in 2025–26. Under the PM Saurya Yojana, solar pumps (5–10 HP) are being distributed to irrigate land up to 1 km from water sources.

Etwari Devi, a woman farmer from Khunti, shared her inspiring story of mobilizing her village to implement irrigation schemes, becoming a symbol of grassroots leadership and urged the government to scale-up sustainable irrigation schemes.

In the closing session, Krishnakant from VBNET consolidated key suggestions from participants, stressing the need for long-term collaboration to address water scarcity, ensure agricultural resilience, and promote women’s leadership.